The Surfboard Manufacturing Industry
Traditional surfboards have been known to be made out of polyurethane foam blanks coated in petrochemical solvents and polyester resin all wrapped in fibreglass. In addition, modern blanks are even packed with harmful chemicals such as VOCs or volatile organic compounds. The Environmental Protection Agency has strongly suggested that these items are deemed carcinogenic. In 2005, a surfboard manufacturing giant has been shut down due to the massive protests and lawsuits regarding strict EPA regulation. Eventually, new innovations in surfboard construction have emerged and focused on greener surfboard materials. Maverick companies have pushed the manufacture of boards made out of bamboo and the use of bio-plastic leash plugs and removable fin systems.
Meanwhile, other green companies are using recycled polystyrene and even old school balsa wood. As the advancement of expanded polystyrene foam blanks covered in an epoxy resin, fewer VOCs have been used. Similar to other progress to a greener world, the first steps are always considered slow and painful. As a surfer, you are good at charging through strong currents and huge crestless waves. Although these can add cost to the consumers, this will be worthwhile in the future. With the ups and downs of the surfboard industry, it might also be hard for them to adjust in the production of much greener boards. All who are concerned about the environment are criticising the industry as a sensible move to curb the use of dangerous chemicals in their manufacturing plants. It would also be hard on your part to make the first move, but it would be a decision to save the planet from pollution and global warming. Your choices of boards must depend on your responsibility as a concerned surfer. Make surfing a fun and exciting activity today and for the future generations to come.
